In traditional James Bond fashion, Skyfall opens with a bang.
After the flop of Quantum of Solace, the last movie in the Bond series, Skyfall puts new energy back into the franchise – though for a moment, it seems as if it all might be over for 007. In the first few minutes of the film, Bond, played by Daniel Craig, fakes being shot and goes to live on an island with a group of natives. He only comes back and reveals himself to be alive to M, played by Judi Dench in her 7th and last appearance in the role, when MI6, the headquarters, is bombed by terrorists. Because of the bombing and a mysterious hacker’s message, the newly back Bond and all of MI6 retreats into a new headquarters underground. Bond and his new quartermaster, along with a woman named Eve (who, coincidentally, was the one who shot him) then have to deal with a terrorist called Raoul Silva.
This film brought many elements from classic James Bond movies back. Skyfall reintroduced an old character, played by Ben Whishaw, named Q – the quartermaster who supplies Bond with all of his gadgets. The drama of the plot and the humor of Q and 007’s banter mix well to form an enjoyable movie all around. Moneypenny also makes an appearance, though her identity is kept a secret until the end of the film.
The movie has a perfect mix of drama, sex and violence that guaranteed it to be a success – and the film pulled it off. Skyfall is the highest grossing Bond film ever with $920,050,532 earned.